Machine for making tubes



Jan. 23, 1934. 1.. s. ROSENER MACHINE FOR MAKING TUBES Filed Aug. 21, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 M mm m HA5 A TTORNE Y Jan. 23, 1934.

L. S. ROSENER MACHINE FOR MAKING TUBES Filed Aug. 21, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Z [AA D .5? ESE/V57? ///.S ATTORNEY Jan. 23. 1934. L. s. ROSENER MACHINE FOR MAKING TUBES Filed Aug. 21, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

HAS A TTORNE Y Jan. 23, 1934. 1.. s. ROSENER MACHINE FOR MAKING TUBES Filed Aug. 21, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 W mi W W/ 0 M a Z HAS A TTORNE Y Patented Jan. 23, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR MAKING TUBES Application August 21, 1931. Serial No. 558,464

6 Claims.

My invention relates to a machine for making tubes, and particularly to such a machine for making tubes from sheet material.

It is among the objects of my invention to provide a machine which will quickly and accurately Wrap a sheet of flexible material into a tube.

Another object of my invention includes the provision, in a machine of the character described, of means for applying an adhesive fluid for binding the consecutive convolutions of sheet material together, so that a tube of integral structure is provided.

Still another object of my invention includes the provision of means for directing the sheet of material so that it is evenly wound on the wrapping mandrel.

A further object of my invention includes the provision of signal means operable after a predetermined number of revolutions of the mandrel for indicating the number of wraps or layers in the tube.

A still further object of my invention includes the provision, in a machine of the character described, of means for moving the wrapping mandrel into and out of a wrapping position, so that the mandrel may be readily inserted in or removed from its mounting.

' The invention possesses otherobjects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of my invention. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to this disclosure of species of my invention, as I may adopt variant embodiments thereof within the scope of the claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the machine for making tubes embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a detail View showing the supply roll mounting. V

Figure 3 is a transverse vertical sectional View taken in a plane indicated by the line 3--3 of Figure 1, and illustrates the cutter mechanism for severing the sheet.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken in a plane indicated by the line 44 of Figure 1, and shows the pivot mounting of the movable frame as well as various details of the drive mechanisms in the machine. The central portions of the cross-shafts are omitted in orderto shorten the view.

Figure 5 is a detail vertical sectional view showing the dead end spindle of the mandrel mounting and the associated signal mechanisms;

and V supply roll to the mandrel.

Figure 6 is a similar view showing the spindle pinion disengaged.

Figure '7 is a detail horizontal sectional view of the signal mechanism, taken in a plane indicated by the line 77 of Figure 5; and on Figure 8 is a similar view showing the signal actuating rod in retracted position.

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view of the signal mechanism, taken in a plane indicated by the line 99 of Figure 5.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic View showing a method of handling the tubes after they have been formed in the machine of my invention.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken in a plane indicated by the line 11-11 of Figure 10, and illustrates the method of holding the tubes on the drying conveyor. 7 g

. In terms of broad inclusion, the machine for making tubes embodying my invention comprises a mandrel upon which sheet material is wrapped into a tube. Means are provided for holding a supply roll of the sheet material, and means are also provided for guiding the sheet from the Means are also provided for rotating the mandrel, and means are provided for applying an adhesive to bind the several convolutions of the sheet together. Signal means operable after a predetermined number of revolutions of the mandrel are also provided for indicating the number of wraps or layers in the tube, and means are provided for severing the sheet to separate the tube from the supply roll.

In greater detail, and referring particularly to Figures 1 and 4, the machine for making tubes embodying my invention comprises a main frame 2 upon which a second frame 3 is movably mount ed. The second or movable frame preferably comprises a pair of spaced arms connected at their outer ends and loosely journaled at their inner ends on a cross-shaft 4 to provide a pivot mounting. The general construction of the frame 3- is probably best shown by the plan view of the machine as illustrated in Figure 10. By this arrangement the movable frame may assume a substantially horizontal position adjacent the top of the main frame, or a raised position, as shown in Figure 1, with its free end clear of the main frame. I

Means are provided for normally holding the movable frame 3 in the raised position. To this end a segment gear 6 is connected at the journaled end of each of the frame arms. A second cross-shaft 7 is provided carrying a pair of gears 8 in mesh with the segment gears 6. A pulley 110 tion of the mandrel carrying frame 3.

'slidably an d rotatably mounted shaft 33.

which depends a connecting rod 15, preferably of adjustable length. The lower end of the rod 15 is pivotally connected with an arm 16, which in turn is mounted for movement with a forwardly projecting arm carrying a treadle 17. By this arrangement an operator positioned in front of the main frame 2 may lower the movable frame by depressing the treadle 17. When it is desired to raise the movable frame it isonly necessary for the operator to remove his foot from the treadle. 7 r

The purpose of the frame 3 is to provide a movable mounting for a mandrel 18. As best shown in Figure 10 the wrapping mandrel 18 is positioned adjacent the forward or free end of the pivotally mounted frame 3, and is rotatably held by a live spindle 19 journaled adjacent one side of the frame 3 and a dead spindle 21 journaled adjacent the other side of the frame. The mandrel 18 is rotated by the live spindle 19 which is driven from the main drive or cross-shaft 4 by a chain drive 22.

With particular reference to Figure 4, the sprocket 23 of the chain drive 22 is loosely journaled on-the drive shaft 4, and has connected therewith an element of a jaw clutch 24. The other element of the clutch 24 is slidably mounted for rotation on the drive shaft 4, and is connected with a second treadle 26 positioned for control by the operator; suitable interconnecting linkage 27 being incorporated to provide an operable mechanism with a spring 28 arranged to hold the elements of the clutch 24 normally out of engagement. By depressing thetreadle 26the operator may engage the clutch 24 against the action of. the spring 28 to effectrotation of the mandrel 18. l

Means are provided for supplying sheet material to the mandrel, so that the material will be wrapped into a tube as the mandrelis rotated. As best shown in Figure 1 a supply 'roll 29 of the sheet material is journaled adjacent the rear of the main frame 2. As the sheet material 31 peels oft the supply roll 29 it is directed over guide means comprising a curved apron plate 32; the, forward edge of the guide apron being positioned in line with the lower edge of the mandrel 18 in the horizontal or wrapping posi- The wrapping position of the mandrel is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 1. By this arrangement the sheet 31 passes off the supply roll 29, slides over the curved apron 32, and then is directed to the mandrel 18. The sheet 31 is passedto th'eapron 32 at a constant angle by the idler roller This latter roller also applies a drag on the sheet by reason of the adjustable spring pressed brake 35. U

- 1 Means are provided for applying the sheet material evenly on the mandrel As shown in Figures land 2, the supply roll 29 is supported by a The roll is demountably held on the shaft by a threaded sleeve 34. detachably pinned'to the shaft adjacent each end of the roll. A, plug 36 having a tapered nose 37 adapted to engage in the core of the roll 29 is threaded on the sleeve 34. By

this arranger lent the supply roll may be rigidly clamped in position on the shaft 33. Means are provided for shifting the roll relative to the apron 32. For this purpose a lead screw 38 is mounted adjacent one end of the shaft 33, and is provided with a slidably arranged nut 39 engaging an annular grooved collar 41 secured to the shaft. The lead screw 38 is rotated by a hand wheel 42 operating through a shaft 43 and a pair of bevelled gears 44.

The hand wheel 42 is located near the front end of the main frame 2 in a position convenient for the operator. As long as the sheet 31 lies flat on the curved apron plae 32 the sheet will be evenly wound on the mandrel 18. Any lateral movement of the sheet, due to an irregular unwinding of the sheet from the supply roll, will be apparent to the operator by a tendency of the sheet to raise or bulge adjacent edgeof the apron plate 32. By turning the hand wheel 42 the operator can shift the supply roll 29 until the bulge disappears and the sheet once more lies flat on. the apron. This correction, made as often I as is necessary, causes the sheet to wind evenly on the mandrel.

Signal means, operable after a predetermined number ofrevolutions of the mandrel, are provided for indicating the number of wraps or layers in the tube being formed. As shown in igures 5 to 9 the dead end spindle 21 is in the nature of a slidably and rotatably mounted spring pressed shaft; the spring 4'7 being ariris ranged to urge the outer end of the spindle against the mandrel. shaped plug is is secured on the end of the spindle, adapted to engage a similarly shaped aperture in theend 0f the mandrel. It is thus Preferably a squareseen that the spindle rotates with the mandrel.

The mandrel is preferably connected for rotation with the live spindle 19 in a similar manner.

An extension 49 of the spindle 21 continues rearwardly and terminates in a hand wheel 52.

By moving the Wheel 52 rearwardly the spindle 21 will be retracted against the action of the spring l7 and the mandrel released. An annularly grooved sleeve 53 having a pinion 54. connected therewith is slidably and rotatably mounted on the extension 49; the pinion 5 1 being adapted tomeshwith a freely journaled gear 56. A hand lever 5'7 engaging the annular groove of the pinion sleeve 53 is provided for shifting the pinion 54 into and out of mesh with the gear 56.

Mechanisms are: provided for automatically shifting the pinion 54 out of esh with the gear 55 and at the same time attracting the attention of the operator after the mandrel has made a predetermined number of revolutions. To this end a lug 58 having inclined cam surface 59 is secured to a side of the gear 55. A slidably and rotatably mounted rod 51 is positioned with a tapered end 62 projecting into the path of movement of the lug .58. The rod 61 is urged toward the gear by a spring 63. A sleeve 8 is f xed on the rod 61,.and carries an L-shaped arm 66 adapted to engage the rear end of the pinion sleeve 53. In the normal or extended position of The clearance between Figure 8 shows the rod 61in the normally extended position with the arm 66 alongside and clear of the pinion sleeve 53; the pinion 54 being in mesh with the gear 56 at this time. As the pinion rotates the gear the lug 58 is carried around and into engagement with the bevelled end of the rod 61. The rod is thus forced to ride up over the inclined cam surface 59. This retracts the rod against the action of the spring 63. As the rod 61 is retracted the cam follower 68 on the arm 66 rides inwardly on the inclined cam surface 71 of the fixed cam element 69. This allows the spring 67 to pull the arm 66 inwardly, and finally, in the fully retracted position. of the rod, as shown in Figures 5, '7 and 9, causes the arm 66 to drop behind the rear end of the pinion sleeve 53.

As the gear 56 continues to rotate, the rod 61 drops off the rear end of the lug 58 and advances instantly back to the extended position. This movement of the rod causes the arm 66 to carry the sleeve 53 forward and the connected pinion 54 out of engagement with the gear 56." As the rod 61 moves forward the cam follower 68 on the arm 66 rides out over the fixed cam 69 to rotate the arm back to its normal outward position. In this latter position of the arm the sleeve 53 may be readily moved back to reingage the pinion 54 with the gear 56.

The signal means preferably comprises a bell '72 having a spring pressed hammer 73. A catch '74 is provided on the rod sleeve 64, and is positioned to engage a similar catch 76 on the hammer '73. As the rod 61 plunges forward to kick the pinion 54 out of engagement the catch '74 simultaneously engages the hammer catch '76 to ring the bell. This indicates to the operator that the mandrel has made a predetermined number of revolutions. The number of revolutions indicated depends on the size of the gear 56 relative to the size of the pinion 54, since the signal means is operating each time the gear 56 makes one revolution. For example, if the gear ratio were six to one each ring of the bell would indicate that the mandrel had completed six revolutions.

Means are provided for applying an adhesive fluid to the sheet so that the several convolutions or wraps of the sheet material on the mandrel will be united together to form a tube of integral structure. The fluid applying means preferably comprises a rotatable cylinder 7'7 positioned to dip into a fluid contained by a trough 78 positioned beneath the mandrel 18. The cylinder 77 is continuously driven from the drive shaft 4 by a chain drive '79. The fluid applying cylinder '77 is arranged so that when the frame 3 is depressed to lower the mandrel 18 into the wrapping position the sheet 31 is held against the cylinder. As the cylinder rotates the fluid is picked up from the trough and deposited on the sheet. A doctor 81 is preferably provided so that the excess fluid may be scraped from the tube.

Means are provided for severing the sheet to separate the newly formed tube from the supply roll.. Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 3, a bar 82 is adjustably mounted on themain frame and is slidably positioned between the end of the guide apron 32 and the mandrel 18; the bar being substantially parallel. with the axis of the mandrel. In other words, the bar extends transversely across the sheet and is arranged so that the sheetpasses thereover as it advances toward the mandrel.

A guide rail 84 is arranged substantially parala pair ofmiter. gears 101.

. through abell crank 196.

. the sheetin the mandrel slot 108. tions may be readily accomplished, because the 'lel'with the bar 82 and carries a slidably mounted bracket 86 having a vertically disposed slot 87.

tion on "the rod by an arm 93 clamped to the bracket 86.. The bracket is moved along the guide rail by an endless chain 94 running over a pair of spaced sprockets 96 positioned adjacent theiend of the rail.

Connection between the chain and bracket is maintained by a pin 9'7 engaging the bracket slot '87. From this arrangement it is apparent that, as the chain is driven, the bracket 86 moves backand forth along the guide rail and the circular knife 92 is simultaneously rotated by the action of the gear 89 and rack 91. Thus, the knife 92 and bar 82 provide a shear, and if the sheet. material 31 happens to extend across the bar at the time it is traversed by the knife the sheet will be severed.

Theknife actuating chain 94 is driven by a shaft 98 connected for rotation with one of the chain sprockets 96. The shaft 98 is driven by the drive shaft 4 through a pair of spur gears 99 and One of the bevelled gears 101 is loosely journaled on the shaft 98, and is connected to one of the elements of a jaw clutch 102. The other element of the clutch is slidably mounted for rotation with the shaft 98. This latter element is shiftable by a resiliently held lever 103 connected with .a treadle arm 104 The springlO'? operates to resiliently hold the slidable clutch element out of engagement with the other element. Upon depression of the treadle 105 by the operator the cutter mechanism is operated to cut the sheet. The distance at which the sheet is out from the mandrel is determined by the position of the bar 82 and knife 92. Thus, for example, these adjustable elements may be moved to a preselected position so that the free end of the sheet, when wrapped up on the mandrel, will add an additional layer to the tube being formed.

The operation or" the machine for making tubes embodying my invention is as follows. A suit- 1 able mandrel 18,,preferablyhaving a slot 108 for receiving the end of the sheet 31, is mounted on the sp ndles 19 and 21. The leading end of the sheet 31 is then pulled by hand from the supply roll 29, is passed over the curved apron plate 32, then threaded through the opening 109 between therail 84 and bar 82, and is finally secured to the mandrel 18 by inserting the forward edge of These operamovable frame 3 is in the raised position and out of the way. It is understood of course that at thistime the cutter knife 92 is positioned at one end of the bar 82 and does not interfere with the strip movement.

The foregoing operations having been comthe treadle 17 to lower the pivoted frame 3 and move the mandrel 18 into the wrapping position with the sheet 31 contactingthe fluid applying cylinder 77; this latter cylinder being constantly rotated as has already been described. Following 'this the operator shifts the lever 57 to move the pinion 54 into mesh. with the gear 56; it being understood that at this time the lug 58 on the gear 56 is just ahead of the rod 63, so that the gear has to make a complete revolution before the rod rides up on the cam surface of the lug.

The operator then depresses the treadle 26 to engage the clutch 24. This starts the mandrel rotating and causes the sheet 31 to be pulled off the supply roll 29 and wrapped on the mandrel in overlapping convolutions. During the time that the sheet is being wrapped on the mandrel the operator keeps watch of the sheet as it passes over the apron plate 32. By rotating the hand wheel 42 and shifting the supply roll 29 from side to side the sheet may be kept flat on the apron. This insures the sheet will be applied evenly on the mandrel as has already been described. After the mandrel 18 has made a predetermined number of revolutions, say six, assuming that the gear ratio between the pinion 54 and the gear 56 is six to one, the rod 61 is retracted by the lug 58; and an instant later extended by reason of its riding ofi the lug. At the instant of extension the hammer 73 will ring the bell '72 and the pinion 54 will be kicked out of engagement.

As soon as the bell rings the operator lifts his foot from the treadle arm 26 to disengage the clutch 24. As a result, the mandrel stops rotating. The operator then depresses the treadle 105 to engage the clutch 102. This starts the chain 94 running and causes the knife 94 to rotate and simultaneously move along the bar 82 to cut the sheet. After the sheet has been severed the operator removes his foot from the treadle 105 to disengage the clutch 102 and stop the knife. The treadle arm 26 is then again depressed to rotate the mandrel until the remaining portion of the sheet is wrapped thereon.

The movable doctor 81 is then brought up into engagement with the wrapped tube on the mandrel to wipe off any excess cement. After this has been completed the operator again removes his foot from the treadle arm 26 to stop rotation of the mandrel. The operator then steps off the treadle 17 and allows the counterweight 12 to elevate the frame 3 to its upwardly extending position.

Finally, the operator moves the hand wheel 52 outwardly to retract the spindle 21. This disengages the mandrel from its mounted position and permits it together with the newly wrapped tube to be removed from the machine; After the mandrel has been removed the tube may be treated in any suitable manner. The layout shown in Figure 10 illustrates a method of handling the newly formed tubes. In this case it is assumed that the tubes formed are to be used as fines or vents for carrying off products of combustion. The sheet material used in making the tubes is of a suitable fibrous material, such as asbestos paper, and the cementitious fluid used is 7 preferably a binder which is rendered solid, moisbe readily inserted in the upper ends of the tube 114. The conveyor 113 may be of any suitable construction, and is arranged to carry the tubes through a drying chamber 118 preferably heated by means of steam coils.

After the tubes have passed through the chamber and thecementitious binder has set, the tubes are removed from the conveyor at a suitable point and are placed on a bench 119 where a workman drives a collar 120 on one end of each of the tubes. Following this operation the collared tubes are placed in a truck 121 and carried to a dipping tank 122. Here the tubes are dipped in a cementitious fluid preferably similar to that used in making the tubes, that is, similar to the fluid used in the trough 78 of the machine. The tubes are then replaced in the truck 121 and carried to a kiln 123 where they are baked at a temperature and for a sufficient time to properly solidify and vitrify the binder used in the construction of the tubes and in the coating thereon. After removal from the kiln the tubes are again placed in the truck 121 and transferred to suitable storage racks 124.

I claim:

1. In a machine for making tubes from sheet material, a mandrel, means for holding a supply roll of said material, means for guiding the sheet from the supply roll to the mandrel, means for rotating the mandrel to wrap the sheet into a tube, and signal means operable after a predetermined number of revolutions of the mandrel for indicating the number of wraps.

2. In a machine for making tubes from sheet material, a mandrel, means for holding a supply roll of said material, means for gui ing the sheet from the supply roll to the mandrel, means for rotating thev mandrel to wrap the sheet into a tube, a trough arranged beneath the mandrel for holding an adhesive fluid, a cylinder dipping into saidfiui'd and adapted to bear against the sheet on the mandrel, and means independent of the mandrel for rotating the cylinder to apply the fluid to the sheet.

3. In a machine for making tubes from sheet material, a movably mounted mandrel, means for moving the mandrel into and out of a wrappingposition, means for holding a supply'roll of said sheet material; means for guiding the sheet from the supply to the mandrel, means 'for rotating the mandrel to wrap the sheet into a tube, a trough for holding an adhesive fluid, a cylinder dipping into said adapted to bear against the sheet in the wrapping position of said mandrel, and means for rotating the cylinder to apply the fluid tothe sheet.

1. In a machine for making tubes from sheet material, a frame, a drive shaft on said frame, a second frame pivctally mounted on the drive shaft, a mandrel mounted on the second frame, means for lowering and raising the second frame to move the mandrel into and out of a wrapping position, means for holding a supply roll of said sheet material, means for guiding the sheet from the supply roll to the mandrel, and means connecting the mandrel with said drive shaft for rotating the mandrel to wrap the sheet into a tube.

5. In a machine for making tubes from sheet material, a frame, a drive shaft on said frame,

frame toward the raised position, means for holding a supply roll of said sheet material, means for guiding the sheet from the supply roll to the mandrel, and means connecting the mandrel with said drive shaft for rotating the mandrel to wrap the sheet into a tube.

6. In a machine for making tubes from sheet.

material, means for holding a supply roll of sheet 

